What Is a Temporary Anchorage Device?

Traditional metal braces are affixed to what are known as "anchor teeth.” When these teeth move out of proper position, it can greatly compromise the results of treatment. In these cases, Dr. Andrew R. Glenn can place a temporary anchorage device at our Lincoln, NE, practice to prevent unwanted teeth movements and help you achieve a beautiful smile. If your orthodontist has recommended a temporary anchorage device, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Temporary Anchorage Devices Explained

Temporary anchorage devices are sometimes referred to as micro-implants. Like a traditional dental implant, a temporary anchorage device is a small titanium post placed directly into the jawbone. Once in place, however, the device is used to provide a fixed point of support for orthodontic braces. As your teeth shift position during the course of treatment, the temporary anchorage device will help to ensure that braces exert the proper force on your dental arch.

Designing Your Temporary Anchorage Device

As with all of our procedures, Dr. Glenn takes a highly personalized approach to treatment planning. Working in conjunction with your orthodontist, we will use Dolphin Imaging® to first design your temporary anchorage device. Next, we will take images of your oral structures and upload them to our computer. Using advanced software, we can simulate the expected results of each stage of treatment. In addition to providing more precise results, Dolphin Imaging® will help you remain up-to-date about the progress of your orthodontic care.

Placement and Removal of Your Device

During the placement of a temporary anchorage device, Dr. Glenn will use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Additionally, we can also provide sedation if you are particularly nervous about undergoing treatment. Placement can typically be completed during a brief appointment, and you should experience little post-treatment irritation. To maintain your temporary anchorage device, you will simply need to keep the surrounding tissues clean by brushing your teeth and gums after meals and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash at least once a day.

Your temporary anchorage device will be removed when it is no longer needed, or at the end of your braces treatment. The procedure to remove this device is even easier than placement, since your dentist will simply unscrew it. If you experience any minor inflammation after removal, a topical ointment or non-prescription pain medication can usually provide relief.

Benefits of a Temporary Anchorage Device

Since the Food and Drug Administration first approved temporary anchorage devices, thousands of teens and adults have benefited from them. Before the introduction of these devices, patients with severely misaligned teeth had to anchor their braces by wearing headgear, which is a special appliance worn partly outside the mouth. However, these bulky external devices can significantly affect a patient’s appearance and self-confidence. As a result, many avoid wearing them, greatly diminishing the effectiveness of their orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, temporary anchorage devices have provided patients with an effective and highly discreet alternative.

Contact Our Practice Today

If you will be receiving orthodontic braces to correct severely misaligned teeth, a temporary anchorage device can help to ensure a successful treatment. To discover if a temporary anchorage device is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Glenn today.

My anxiety has been through the roof the past 3 weeks but I would have never imagined it could be so easy. Thank you Dr Glenn! He has made the whole experience amazing! If you are looking for a knowledgable, caring and talented surgeon, look no further! Dr. Andrew Glenn is awesome! I have never been a fan of the dentist's office!!!Wanda MosesJune 2016